Depression, Stress and Anxiety - a modern illness?

Depression may be described as

feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel

this way at one time or another for short periods. Clinical depression is a

mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere

with everyday life for a longer period of time.

Symptoms of depression include low or irritable mood most of the time, a

loss of pleasure in usual activities, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, a

big change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss, tiredness and lack of

energy, feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt, difficulty

concentrating, particularly slow or fast movements, lack of activity and mostly

avoiding usual activities, feeling hopeless or helpless and repeated thoughts

of death or suicide.

Low self-esteem is common with

depression. It is also common to have sudden bursts of anger and a complete lack

of pleasure from activities that would normally make you happy, including sexual

intercourse. Depression may also alternate with mania (known as manic

depression or bipolar disorder). Depression may be more common in women than

men. This could be because women tend to readily seek help for it more.

Throughout the course of our

lives, we all experience episodes of stress, unhappiness, sadness, or grief.

Often, when a loved one dies or we suffer a personal tragedy or difficulty such

as divorce or loss of a job, we may feel depressed (some people call this

"the blues"). Most of us are able to cope with these and other types

of stressful events.

Over a period of days or weeks, the majority of us are able to return to our

normal activities. But when these feelings of sadness and other symptoms make

it hard for us to get through the day, and when the symptoms last for more than

a couple of weeks in a row, we may have what is called clinical depression. Clinical

depression is not just grief or feeling sad. It is an illness that can

challenge your ability to perform even routine daily activities. At its worst,

depression may lead you to contemplate, attempt, or commit suicide. Depression

represents a burden for both the sufferer and their family. Sometimes that

burden can seem overwhelming.

Changes to hormones, such as

during puberty, after childbirth and during the menopause can also have an

effect on our emotional and mental health. However, sometimes it's possible to

feel down, without there being an obvious reason for it. The biggest

barriers to overcoming depression are recognition of the condition and seeking

appropriate treatment. It is common for stress, anxiety and depression to go undiagnosed

and untreated because of a 'stigma' attached to mental health issues. It is

important that this is put to one side as a diagnosis and treatment will all be

in complete confidence.

Whatever the cause, if negative

feelings are too overwhelming or are stopping you from carrying on with your

normal life, you may need to make some changes and get extra support. The first

place we can seek support and diagnosis is through your G.P. surgery. You may

then consider joining the waiting list for an NHS counsellor, or you may

consider going 'private'. The Bude Counselling Room is situated within the

Neetside Centre and uses a qualified and experienced counsellor. You will notice

a very empathic and therapeutic experience and soon become more aware of how

you can overcome this debilitating illness.

If you suffer from stress,

anxiety or depression, you can visit our website, email us on: enquiries@budecounselling.co.uk

or telephone our appointment line on 07879 651645. The first step is always

difficult, but once you feel more supported, you begin your journey on the road

to recovery.